’20 for 20’ is the theme of the 20th Malcolm Arnold Festival this year when performances of all 20 of the composer’s Concertos for solo instruments take place in the composer’s hometown of Northampton over the course of the weekend 18-19 October 2025. Directed by Paul Harris, the Festival is an annual celebration of one of England’s most prolific, colourful and charismatic composers – Sir Malcolm Arnold (1921-2006).
“We’re delighted to be holding the Festival at the very prestigious Cripps Hall which is part of Northampton School for Boys – the very school the young Malcolm Arnold attended!”, says Festival Director Paul Harris. “For Saturday’s evening concert we transfer to St Matthew’s Church which will provide the opportunity to hear a rare performance of the ‘Grand Concerto Gastronomique’ for Waiter, Eater and Food; a suite of short orchestral pieces, in characteristic Arnold style, and calling for a wordless soprano in tribute to Dame Nellie Melba!
Characteristic of the composer’s versatility in writing for a wide range of instruments, the Concertos demonstrate all the hallmarks of Arnold’s inventiveness in smaller scale. The earliest were written for friends and colleagues, which lead to commissions from world-renown soloists such as Denis Brain (horn), Julian Bream (guitar), Benny Goodman (clarinet), Michala Petri (recorder), and Julian Lloyd Webber (cello).
Taking part are the LGT Orchestra – an award-winning string ensemble featuring talented young soloists from over 20 nations; Equilibrium Symphony Orchestra – who’s young musicians already have professional solo experience; as well as regional orchestras and youth ensembles that include Bedford Sinfonia, Berkshire Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Orchestra of the London Choral Sinfonia.
Saturday evening’s Gala Concert provides the opportunity to hear Malcolm Arnold’s Concertos for Trumpet, Harmonica, and Organ, with soloists Nick Budd, Shima Kobayashi and Thomas Moore, while pianist John Lenehan will perform a World Premiere of the Concerto for Two Pianos in his own one piano arrangement. Other guest soloists include Michala Petri, (recorder) Sarah-Jane Bradley, (viola) and Ben Goldscheider (horn). The programme includes complementary works by Malcolm Arnold’s fellow composers William Walton, Ruth Gipps, and Malcolm Williamson.
Concerts take place throughout both days at Northampton School for Boys, where Malcolm Arnold himself attended, transferring to St Matthew’s Church, Northampton for Saturday evening’s Gala Concert. Information can be found on the website from where tickets can also be purchased. Under 18s/Students are admitted FREE. A great weekend of live music for all the family to enjoy!
